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Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
March 10th is the annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Women accounted for 26 percent of the estimated HIV/AIDS diagnoses in 2005. On this day, women and girls are encouraged to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS by: getting tested for HIV; practicing risk avoidance and reduction behaviors to prevent HIV; discussing HIV prevention with partners, friends, and family; and providing support for those living with HIV/AIDS.
Women of color are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. AIDS is now the leading cause of death for Black women ages 25 to 34. |
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Dear S.T.A.R. Supporter,
On Wednesday, February 6, 2008, S.T.A.R. Foundation, Malinda Williams, Nia Long, and Dr. Chrystal Evans-Bowman hosted an all-girls assembly at Westchester High School in an effort to raise awareness to the increasing number of minority females whom are contracting HIV.
The assembly entitled "I Am My Own Prevention" focused on key topics such as self-respect, prevention, statistics on HIV/AIDS and STDs, and the effect that the media and "Hollywood" have on the misguided judgment of female youth.
At the end of the assembly, the S.T.A.R. Foundation passed out a questionnaire asking students if they were sexually active and whether or not the assembly was beneficial. To our surprise, every student submitted a questionnaire. In reading their responses below, it made the Foundation realize just how much our youth are screaming for our attention, and it is time for us to listen!
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Westchester High School students along with Jennifer Payne of S.T.A.R. Foundation, Nia Long, Dr. Chrystal Evans-Bowman and Malinda Williams
- When asked the question if they are sexually active, 41% responded "yes."
- When asked the question, "Why do you continue to have unprotected sex after all the information that has been provided to you (i.e., public service announcements regarding safe sex and HIV/AIDS prevention, informationals, etc.)," the number one response was,"Because it feels good."
Every student was asked if this assembly was beneficial to them; 93% responded yes. When asked why, we received the following responses:
- "It was funny, informative, and a very down-to-earth panel."
- "I like that it was a place where everyone could express ... with all girls, and women there to tell us."
- "The speakers were very relatable."
- "I learned more about sex and consequences."
- "They were honest, and willing to answer questions and keep it real."
- "They got real personal."
- "I learned that I need to check myself out."
- "I learned about HIV, safe sex ... self-esteem."
- "I learned a lot of tips about how to be comfortable with exploring my sexuality in a healthy way without having to have sex. My body is my temple, and I should take care of it and know all about it."
- "The assembly taught me a lot about things I didn't know and don't learn at home."
- "I learned that I should wait to lose my virginity and wait until I find the right guy."
- "I learned to wait!"
- "Most of all, I learned how to respect myself. I learned that I need to start fully loving every part of me!"
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Supporting the Foundation's t-shirt campaign
Since the Foundation started our efforts in Los Angeles, Malinda Williams has whole-heartedly supported our cause. We thank her for that! It's people like Malinda Williams, Nia Long, Dr. Chrystal Evans-Bowman, supporters and volunteers (such as the two featured in this photograph - students from USC) that enable us to successfully carry out our mission.
Thank You! |
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Thank You
For our February 6th event, Sunseeker media provided all of our production needs ... Thank you!
BET Rap-it-up has been a donor and supporter of the Foundation since day one. As always, we thank you!
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I took the majority of this newsletter to thank all of those who have made a difference in the success of the S.T.A.R. Foundation ... Thank you again because without you, none of this could be possible!
In closing, we urge all parents to sit down and talk with your children ... reach out to our youth! They are screaming in so many ways for our attention ... MAKE THE TIME; TIME MAKES A DIFFERENCE! |
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Sincerely,
Jennifer L. Payne, Founder
S.T.A.R. Foundation |
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